The crisis in Syria, the collapse of the federal budget process, the debt limit, immigration, health care: as the end of the current Fiscal Year fast approaches, Farm Bill reauthorization is again fighting for time on an over-crowded congressional calendar. The U.S Grains Council does not lobby Congress on legislative issues, but we do urge members who are in a position to do so to let members of Congress know that the clock is ticking and that the delay threatens to do severe harm to critical export promotion programs.

The House and Senate have each passed separate versions of the Farm Bill, which still must be reconciled in conference. In addition, the House split the Farm Bill by deferring the contentious nutrition programs to separate legislation and is expected to consider a nutrition bill in September. House leadership is also expected to name its Farm Bill conferees in the near future. Even if all goes smoothly, however, the odds of final passage before the end of the Fiscal Year are slim.

While USDA’s key export promotion programs — the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development Program (FMD) — enjoy broad bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, they are held hostage in the ongoing stalemate over other sections of the Farm Bill. For the Council and other cooperators, the public-private partnership made possible by MAP and FMD matching funds are a key part of our international export promotion programs. An extended delay in reauthorization could quickly force the closure of foreign offices and the layoff of highly experienced staff in key markets around the world.

The Farm Bill debate involves many serious issues and a resolution will not be easy. But further delay threatens severe and lasting damage to many non-controversial programs including MAP and FMD that have served the nation well and that are broadly supported on both sides of the aisle. The current Fiscal Year ends September 30. Now is the time to express your concern to your members of Congress.